Can you still get pregnant if you have fibroids?

Fibroids refer to growths in the uterine wall that happens in women of child bearing age. Naturally, women can get pregnant even if they have fibroids but after a number of factors are considered and some procedures done. 

Pain in the abdomen is a common symptom of fibroids that makes women constantly complain. Their size matters and the positioning of it may affect the conception and growth of the embryo. If you have submucosal fibroids, which grow and bulge into the uterine cavity, increase your risk for infertility or pregnancy loss a number of procedures can be done to prevent that.

The presence fibroids may increase your risk for other complications during pregnancy and delivery which are:

i. Fetal growth restriction which occurs when the fibroids are large in size..

ii. Placental abruption involves a situation where the placenta breaks away from the uterine wall. It occurs as a result of being blocked by a fibroid which ends up reducing vital oxygen and nutrients passing to the child. 

iii. Preterm delivery is accelerated due to presence of pain from fibroids. They tend to encourage uterine contractions, consequently leading to preterm delivery. 

According to WomensHealth.gov, women with fibroids are six times more likely to need (C-section) than women who don’t have them. 

Breech position which refers to where the baby isn't turned with head towards the cervix is common to ladies with fibroids. It is from the abnormal shape of the cavity caused by the presence of these fibroids making the baby get into breech position. 

Miscarriages are also more common if you have fibroids. 

There are some treatments for fibroids when you are trying to conceive. 

Myomectomy is a  surgical procedure used to remove fibroids. After this process, you will have to wait for three months before trying to get a baby and be open that your CS chances are higher. 

Since fibroids have symptoms like pain and heavy bleeding, using hormonal birth control pills or intrauterine device (IUD) can help relieve that. 

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists helps to shrink fibroids. Whereas you can't get pregnant  under this medication, it blocks the production of the hormones that lead to ovulation and menstruation and consequently fibroids. 

Myolysis uses a laser, electric current, or radio-frequency energy. It makes the produced beams to shrink the blood vessels that feed the fibroids.